Deadly intestinal cancers are increasingly prevalent, making early diagnosis crucial for effective treatment. Current diagnostic techniques, mainly involving invasive endoscopies, often deter patients due to discomfort. Researchers, led by Qingsong Xu, a professor at the University of Macau, have proposed an innovative solution: soft, magnetically controlled microbots that could replace traditional methods within a few years.
The recently unveiled prototype draws inspiration from the locomotion of the golden wheel spider, which cartwheels across the Namibian desert dunes. Made from a rubber-like magnetic material, this micro-robot has been successfully tested in animal models, navigating the “complex environment” of the digestive tract, which includes mucus, sharp turns, and significant obstacles.
Today’s diagnostic procedures use endoscopes—flexible tubes equipped with cameras inserted through the mouth or rectum. This method requires sedation due to the discomfort it causes and carries risks of complications, such as bowel perforation. As a result, some patients may hesitate to undergo necessary investigations, potentially allowing cancer to spread undetected.
Qingsong Xu remarked, “Traditional endoscopes cause a lot of discomfort and cannot easily access complex deeper regions inside the body. The purpose of the soft magnetic robot is to provide a minimally invasive, controllable, and highly flexible alternative.”
How the Microbot Operates
The microbot, comparable in size to a large vitamin capsule, can be swallowed easily. Once ingested, it travels through the stomach and intestines, propelled by an externally applied magnetic field. This design allows it to perform detailed inspections of the digestive tract without causing significant discomfort. At the end of its journey, it exits the body naturally, similar to processed food.
Researchers have explored various forms of robotic locomotion, including crawling and swimming, but these earlier designs faced limitations in navigating the intricate environment of the digestive system. Xu explained, “We went for a design inspired by the golden wheel spider, because it provided superior obstacle crossing ability and energy efficiency compared to other locomotion models.” The golden wheel spider rolls down dunes to escape threats, and the microbot mimics this movement using an external magnetic force rather than gravity.
Precision control is achieved through a robotic arm equipped with a powerful rotating magnet positioned next to the patient during examinations.
Future Prospects for Gut Diagnostics
The research team is planning additional tests with live animals and aims to initiate human clinical trials if those are successful. Xu is optimistic that these soft spider robots could significantly enhance internal examinations within five years. “The medical community increasingly recognizes the potential of soft magnetic robots to revolutionize endoscopic procedures by minimizing patient discomfort and increasing precision,” he stated.
Looking ahead, advancements in micro-robotics may enable targeted drug delivery for conditions such as ulcers or tumors. These tiny robots could facilitate a variety of minimally invasive interventions and examinations. Although no such robots have yet entered clinical practice, the field is rapidly evolving.
For instance, a research group from North Carolina State University has developed another type of magnetic robot that crawls through the digestive tract using a caterpillar-like motion, driven by external magnetic forces. Xiaomeng Fang, an assistant professor of materials engineering and lead author of a related study, noted the growing interest in these technologies: “These robots are soft and they can be controlled remotely. They can also change their shape, which makes them very interesting for treatment of internal diseases.”
As research progresses, the potential for these microbots to transform the landscape of gut diagnostics becomes increasingly tangible, promising a future where procedures are less invasive and more patient-friendly.
